Correlates of knowledge of family planning among people living in fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda

Abstract

Background Knowledge of family planning (FP) is a key determinant of contraceptive use which ultimately plays a role in attainment of good health and in conduct of clinical research. People living in fishing communities (FCs) have limited access to health services including FP and are targeted for future clinical research but their knowledge of FP and its correlates are scantily known. We determined correlates of knowledge of FP among people living in FCs of L. victoria in Uganda to inform future FP education programs in FCs. Methods We conducted a comparative cross-sectional survey among participants aged 15–49 years from Kigungu and Nsazi. Participants were asked if they were aware of any FP method. All those who responded in the affirmative were further asked to mention what FP methods they had heard of or knew. Those who reported knowledge of at least one FP method were asked a series of questions about FP methods and their side effects. Knowledge was categorized into good or poor knowledge based on their mean total score. Poor knowledge constituted a score below the mean while good knowledge constituted a score of more than or equal to the mean total score. To further explore attitudes and perceptions of FP, ten in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted. Results Of the 1410 screened participants, 94.5% were aware of at least one FP method. Pills and injectable hormonal methods were the most commonly known methods. Slightly over a third (38%) had good knowledge of FP. Correlates of knowledge of FP were; being female (aOR: 1.92 95% CI: 1.39–2.67), residing in Kigungu (aOR: 4.01 95% CI: 2.77–5.81), being married (aOR: 1.59 95% CI: 1.11–2.28) and currently being in a sexual relationship (aOR: 1.75 95% CI: 1.18–2.60). Concerns about safety and effectiveness of some modern FP methods exist. Misconceptions on effects of FP like sterility, cancers and foetal abnormalities were common. Conclusion FP awareness among people living in FCs of L. Victoria in Uganda is high. However, good knowledge about specific methods tends to be low. Correlates of knowledge of FP include gender, residence, marital status and sexual engagement.

Knowledge and Information Exposure About Family Planning Among Women of Reproductive Age in Informal Settlements of Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda

“…Knowledge of FP is nearly universal in Uganda at more than 98% in urban or rural areas, and health providers are the most trusted source of FP information (6,19). Some studies show positive correlation between FP knowledge and sociodemographic factors, such as marital status and gender (20), although others indicate no such association (6). Having knowledge of FP is expected to modify contraceptive behaviors, and earlier studies report a positive relationship between knowledge and media exposure to FP messages with increased acceptance and use of contraceptives (21)(22)(23)(24).…”

Evaluating the effectiveness of enhanced family planning education on knowledge and use of family planning in fishing communities of Lake Victoria in Uganda: a randomized controlled trial

“…To assess their FP knowledge, participants were asked a series of 64 questions about FP and the different methods [15]. Questions were asked about the following FP methods; pills, injectable hormonal methods, implants, emergency contraceptive pills, intra-uterine device, vasectomy, tubal ligation, condoms, spermicides, diaphragm, withdraw, breast feeding (lactation amenorrhea), calendar, moon beads, periodic abstinence, foam/ jelly, herbs and dermal patch.…”

“…The questions were asked in regard to eligibility criteria for FP, mechanisms and duration of action, routes of administration, adverse effects, how these adverse effects can be managed and what needs to be done in case of a missed dose or if a replacement is required, other benefits of FP besides contraception and FP use in the context of HIV. Questions that were correctly answered were scored 1 while those that were wrongly answered or where the participant said they didn't know the answer were scored 0 [15]. Knowledge grade was categorized into good or poor knowledge based on the percentage score.…”

“…While the concept of FP is almost universally known in Uganda, there are still misconceptions about its effects particularly among marginalized populations [14]. Our previous findings showed that poor knowledge of FP was associated with low FP uptake in fishing communities [15]. Good knowledge of a wide range of FP methods enables informed and timely choices among people in need of FP services [16][17][18][19][20].…”

Abortion and its correlates among female fisherfolk along Lake Victoria in Uganda

“…A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kigungu landing site and Nsazi Island. [ 26 27 ] Abortion and pregnancy history were assessed during the survey. The study communities were purposively selected based on their location (proximity to research center) and size (among the FCs on Lake Victoria, with >1,000 households).…”